The 5 Best Restaurants in Montclair: Eat Like a Local

Vinny Parisi

1 year ago

The 5 Best Restaurants in Montclair, photo of PastaRamen Interior

The dining scene in Montclair is a vibrant mix of flavors, cultures, and creativity. As one of New Jersey’s top foodie destinations, it’s no surprise there are many incredible spots to choose from. So the question is: Where to even begin? To discover the best of the best across NJ’s most popular culinary destinations, BestofNJ.com is turning to the real experts: local food lovers!

After tallying votes from our social media followers, we’ve compiled a list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Montclair. From mouthwatering comfort food to unforgettable fine dining experiences, these spots have earned their place at the top. Read on to discover the restaurants that locals can’t stop raving about! (Want to cast your vote in a future “Best Restaurants” poll? Follow @BestofNJ on Instagram, or join our Official Facebook Group!)

Quick Click Guide: Want to Jump Straight to Number One? Click any Number Below and see which restaurants made our list of the Top 5 Best Restaurants in Montclair.

The Top 5 Best Restaurants in Montclair

#5 in Montclair – pastaRAMEN

Address: 6 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
Why It’s the Best: pastaRAMEN is the first-ever Italian ramen shop, seamlessly blending Japanese culture and Italian cuisine. This unique Wafu Italian concept comes from the minds of Montclair Hospitality Group and Chef Robbie Felice, the restaurateur also behind Viaggio, Osteria Crescendo, and Bar Mutz. Culinary Superstar Chef Robbie has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens the world over, including Belgium and The Netherlands. As the name implies pastaRAMEN specializes in elevated ramen and Italian/Japanese dishes. For a special treat, their Omakase menu offers a chef-curated, 5-course selection of pastaRAMEN’s most popular choices. If ordering a la carte, standout options include Temomi Ramen Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Katsu, and Japanese A-5 Wagyu. They even have a non-ramen menu with signature dishes such as Yuzo Shio Tortellini and Himokawa Udon.

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#4 in Montclair – Samba

Address: 7 Park St, Montclair
Why It’s the Best: Chef Ilson Goncalves goes above and beyond to ensure he uses the freshest ingredients available. How? By driving to Amish country every two weeks during the growing season to source fresh produce, organic eggs, vegetables, and organic chicken. It’s a six-hour drive in total, but Chef Ilson believes it is worth every effort to ensure patrons receive the highest-quality dishes when they dine at his restaurant. The most popular dish at Samba — which specializes in Certified Gluten-Free Homestyle Brazilian cuisine — is CAMARÃO NA MORANGA. This carved acorn squash is filled with creamy butternut squash, shrimp, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. In addition, Chef Ilson is excited for guests to try his Yuca Sliders, a gourmet twist on traditional sliders. This flavor explosion combines tender braised duck, tangy Gorgonzola, and caramelized onions on golden-brown yuca bread.

#3 in Montclair – Zeugma Grill

Address: 44 S Park Street, Montclair
Why It’s the Best: Zeugma Grill offers a fusion of Mediterranean and European flavors. Executive Chef Restaurateur/Owner Can Alp and Executive Chef Malik Tuncer are originally from Turkey. In fact, Can and Malik studied Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Beykent University in Istanbul and also interned in Paris. The menu blends Mediterranean and European dishes, emphasizing a creativity and passion for diverse cuisines. Popular dishes include the Charred Grilled Artichoke, Grilled Lamb Rock, and Mushroom Manti. (Handmade dumplings filled with a trio of mushrooms in a warm yogurt sauce fermented for 16 hours.) Don’t miss their signature dessert, the Z Chef Special (Strawberry Pavlova). In addition to dinner service Tuesday through Sunday, Zeugma offers Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Brunch highlights include Shakshuka and Pistachio French Toast.

#2 in Montclair – Boschetto

Address: 111 Grove St, Montclair
Why It’s the Best: There is a lot of history behind Boschetto, a restaurant pioneering the Fine Fast Casual concept. Co-Founders Robert Spina and Ryan Held are Brothers-in-law who have known each other since childhood. Then there’s Michelin Star Chef/Partner Joey Sergentakis, who met Robert in Hong Kong in 2009. (Robert previously owned and operated multiple restaurants in Hong Kong, Manilla and Hanoi.) The two became fast friends, vowing to launch a restaurant concept together. Boschetto is popular for its classic Roman dish, Bucatini Amatriciana along with its sister dish, Rigatoni Gricia. Winter menu highlights include the Coda Alla Vaccinara, oxtail ragu braised in Barolo wine served over imported Pappardelle with fresh ricotta. The culinary team regularly analyzes the menu and uses seasonal specials as a test bed to introduce new menu mainstays, so there’s always something new to try.

#1 in Montclair – Mesob

Address: 515 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair
Why It’s the Best: Nestled in the heart of Montclair, Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant is a standout destination for those seeking an authentic and vibrant dining experience. For over two decades, Mesob has been serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine, blending rich, aromatic spices with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their menu showcases beloved classics like Doro Wot, a slow-simmered chicken stew infused with fiery berbere spice; as well as Kitfo, finely minced beef seasoned with mitmita and clarified butter (niter kibbeh). Vegetarian and vegan diners will love their Yemisir Wot, a hearty red lentil stew, and the Gomen, tender collard greens. Every dish is served with their signature injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread made from gluten-free teff flour. Founded by passionate Ethiopian chefs, Mesob is more than a restaurant. It’s an immersive cultural experience and a taste of Ethiopia’s rich culinary heritage.

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